Congratulations to the elected President Pendarovski! This is a victory over nationalism and confirmation of the pro-European choice of the people of North Macedonia

Following Sunday’s presidential elections in North Macedonia, in which Stevo Pendarovski, supported by the ruling Social Democrats (SDSM), won the presidency in a run-off vote, S&D leader Udo Bullmann said:

“I congratulate Stevo Pendarovski and the people of North Macedonia. They confirmed the pro-European choice of the country and the wish for a modern society. They have once again approved of the historic Prespa Agreement, by electing the candidate who supported it against a nationalistic rival who opposed their county’s name change.

“We, the S&D Group in the European Parliament stand by the side of the people in North Macedonia and will further support them in their endeavour towards a progressive society!”

S&D spokesperson on foreign affairs and European Parliament mediator in the country Knut Fleckenstein added:

“I am convinced that Stevo Pendarovski is able to unite the people of North Macedonia and to reconcile them with the Prespa Agreement. This first presidential election after the Prespa Agreement proved that North Macedonia is capable of holding free and fair elections. Citizens showed great responsibility by not staying away from the ballot boxes.

“This is further evidence that progressive thinking and democratic leadership wins elections. Some of our leaders of the European member states should take this as an example.

“It’s high time for the Council of the European Union to decide to open accession negotiations for North Macedonia at the end of June.”